Building on the momentum of previous delegations to Japan from the State of Illinois led by Governor J.B. Pritzker in October 2024 and the City of Chicago led by Deputy Mayor Kenya K. Merritt in March 2025, a high-level Japanese delegation will visit Illinois June 8-10 to strengthen collaboration in the rapidly advancing field of quantum technology.

The delegation, organized by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), and co-organized by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Intersect Illinois, World Business Chicago (WBC), Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, includes representatives from leading Japanese quantum and deep-tech companies, as well as many prominent Japanese organizations interested to learn about new innovations in the field of quantum computing. Their visit underscores the growing international recognition of Illinois as a global hub for quantum innovation.

This visit also reflects the broader strategic partnership between the United States and Japan. In their February 2025 Joint Leaders’ Statement, President Donald J. Trump and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba reaffirmed their commitment to a “new golden age” of U.S.–Japan relations, emphasizing cooperation in technology, and economic development. The leaders highlighted the importance of joint innovation in emerging technologies—including quantum computing—as a pillar of their alliance.

Illinois, and Chicago in particular, play a vital role in this bilateral relationship. Japan is one of Illinois’ top foreign investors, with more than 47,000 Illinoisans employed by Japanese companies. The organizers are working in close partnership to welcome the delegation and facilitate meaningful engagement with local stakeholders.

Chicago has emerged as a national leader in quantum research and commercialization, with over $1 billion in federal investment and the establishment of four National Quantum Initiative research centers—more than any other region in the U.S. The city is home to the Chicago Quantum Exchange (CQE), a collaborative network that includes the University of Chicago, Argonne National Laboratory, and other key institutions. These efforts are positioning Chicago as “The Quantum City,” a nexus for cutting-edge research, workforce development, and industry partnerships.

The delegation’s itinerary includes visits and meetings with leading organizations, universities and companies including:

• Polsky Center
• Hyde Park Labs
• Argonne National Laboratory
• Chicago Quantum Exchange
• mHUB

These engagements aim to foster deeper collaboration between Japanese and Illinois-based quantum stakeholders, explore investment opportunities, and promote knowledge exchange in quantum computing, sensing, and communications.

The visit will conclude with the “Quantum Innovation Exchange” – JETRO’s Japan Innovation Bridge (J-Bridge) Event – which will feature pitch presentations from Japanese and Chicago-based quantum companies, followed by networking. More information can be found here: https://www.jetro.go.jp/usa/topics/quantum-innovation-exchange.html

This visit marks a significant step forward in strengthening U.S.-Japan cooperation in quantum technologies and highlights Illinois’ growing role as a global center for quantum innovation.

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